Eighty percent of Americans say they make better financial decisions when they're actively investing in their health and wellness, according to new data from MassMutual's 2025 Health & Wealth Habits Report.

• Okay, but: Nearly 3-in-10 say financial challenges have prevented them from prioritizing their health and wellness in the past 12 months.

In other words: When Americans feel well, they spend, save and plan better. But when money gets tight, health care and wellness are often among the first things to go — creating a cycle that's difficult to break.

MassMutual's latest report, based on a survey of 1,000 U.S. adults, sheds light on how financial, physical and mental health are deeply intertwined.

• Americans who rate their financial health above average are nearly 4x more likely to rate their physical health above average — and they're more likely to exercise regularly, get at least seven hours of sleep and eat a balanced diet.
• They're also over 3x more likely to rate their mental health above average.

Across generations, though, perceptions — and habits — diverge.

• Baby Boomers are most likely to rate their physical, mental and financial health above average, while Gen Z is least likely to do so.
• That gap may come down to financial footing. Younger Americans often have less savings, more debt (e.g., student loans) and higher day-to-day expenses relative to income. This makes it more difficult to prioritize both health and wealth.
• Nearly half (46%) of Gen Z also agree that only wealthy people can afford to worry about health and wellness, underscoring how younger Americans see wellness as a privilege, not a priority.

Here's what else: Financial anxiety is causing Americans to rack up sleep debt — which often exacerbates financial struggles and harms mental health.

• One-third of Americans say they lose sleep over money.
• Of those counting sheep, more than half (53%) miss an average of two to three hours each night. Many also admit to spending more on short-term fixes, like coffee and energy drinks, to get through the day.

Looking ahead: These worries don't stop at today's bills; they stretch into the future. As the number of centenarians grows significantly worldwide, 60% of Americans find the idea of living to 100 more scary than exciting.

• Just 1-in-5 say they would want to live that long if it meant financial hardship.
• Top fears of living to 100 include running out of money, relying on loved ones for financial and care assistance, and not being able to afford long-term care or assisted living.
• Investing in life insurance or other long-term financial protections could help assuage these fears, but more than 2-in-5 Americanssay more immediate financial priorities stand in the way.

The takeaway: Most Americans understand the link between health and wealth — but balancing both isn't easy.

• Still, MassMutual's findings suggest that even small habits and proactive planning can strengthen each side of the equation over time.
• "People who are successful in the various areas of their lives typically take an active role in building that success," said MassMutual's Paul LaPiana. "This research shows that when people are able to invest in their health and finances, they're not just planning for the future — they're also shaping it."

Read the full report.